NBA Trade: Jazz Acquire Point Guard Ricky Rubio From Timberwolves

After years of speculation and trade rumors, the Minnesota Timberwolves have finally traded point guard Ricky Rubio. Things escalated quickly on the eve of NBA free agency as the Timberwolves were able to strike a deal with the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein and Tim MacMahon:

The Utah Jazz acquired Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio on Friday for a ‎2018 first-round pick via the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Over the past few weeks, Rubio has been rumored to be headed elsewhere with the New York Knicks mentioned as a potential destination. It appeared that the Timberwolves were determined to move Rubio, especially after pulling the trigger on the blockbuster trade to acquire superstar Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls.

Along with the Timberwolves showing they were finally moving on from Rubio, the Spaniard’s arrival in Utah seemingly marks the end of George Hill’s stint with the Jazz. Hill is a free agent this summer and will have no shortage of suitors.

Rubio being acquired by the Jazz likely means he’s already decided to part ways with the team and could be one of two of the team’s best players to leave Utah with Gordon Hayward also seriously considering other options in free agency.

After acquiring Rubio, the Jazz will focus their efforts on re-signing Hayward to a long-term deal. The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat are among the top suitors for Hayward as he has set up meetings with both teams once free agency gets underway this weekend.